The Heath bar has been around since the early 1920’s, but really started to grow in popularity nationally during the Great Depression, mostly due to its size and price. It was one of the few five cent candy bars that were larger than most. Made by hand until 1942, the candy was produced on a major commercial scale for good after the US Army placed its first order of $175,000 worth of the bars. The Heath bar had been found to have a very long shelf life, and the Army included it in soldiers’ rations throughout World War II. Its popularity grew after the war, although the manufacturing process remained largely a hands-on, family-run operation. All four of L.S. Heath’s sons, his two daughters, and several grandchildren were involved in the business.Heath bars are essentially a brick of nutty toffee covered in milk chocolate. They are really yummy and the textures of both the smooth chocolate and cripsy toffee really compliment one another. The toffee is buttery and nutty – I think that there may be ground almonds in it. The chocolate is rich and creamy and melts in your mouth. This bar is very similar to the Skor bar which is also toffee and chocolate although the toffee does not contain the chopped nuts. Toffee is very popular in Europe and did not catch on as much in the States until the candy companies covered the toffee in chocolate. Evidently, we Americans are crazy for chocolate. I guess some things never change!